CASA LAPOSTOLLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Estate Btld., Rapel Valley VC: Casa Lapostolle is owned by the Marnier-Lapostolle family of Grand Marnier fame. Here, they apply the same uncompromising approach to quality that they lavish upon their liqueurs. As a result, they craft some of Chile's most sought-after wines. This bold Cabernet consistently offers ripe cherry and cassis flavors on a sturdy frame of tannins. Enjoy now with roast beef au jus or char-broiled steaks. My note: Fantastic value! A little tannic so decant of 1-2 hours. 398800 (XD) 750 mL $16.95 Score: 88/100.

CHÂTEAU DE PIERREUX BROUILLY 2005 AC (Mommessin) VC: This Gamay exhibits much more depth and complexity than most. The aromas suggest strawberry, cherry pit, blackberry and earth tones. It is dry and supple with good structure to the finish. This wine would complement a grilled salmon or veal tenderloin. My note: Ah, here's what I mean by a wonderful beaujolais that's not a nouveau! Try it. Light, happy and carefree. Hardly a tannin to speak of. Makes a wonderful transition wine for those moving from whites to reds. 005496 (D) 750 mL $19.95 Score: 90/100.

CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE 2002 AC Cahors (Georges Vigouroux, Prop.-Récolt.) VC: Château de Haute-Serre is located in one of the prime locations in Cahors, an area called 'Mountain of Cahors'. The wine, a blend of 80% Malbec, 10% Merlot and 10% Tannat, has aromas of red fruits, perfume and vanilla. It is dry and round, but with a very good tannin core for balance. Match this wine to a rare steak, or age it 2-4 years in a cellar. My note: Rustic, tannic and brooding. Full-bodied and delicious. Drink with hearty meat dishes. 693952 (XD) 750 mL $22.95 Score: 89/100.

TWO HANDS 'GNARLY DUDES' SHIRAZ 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia VC: This finely crafted Shiraz is from Two Hands 'Picture Series'. The 'gnarly dudes' in question are the rather fierce and twisted looking old vines from which the wine's fruit is sourced. Winemaker Matt Wenk has a well-deserved reputation for creating a tightly focused Shiraz that emphasizes the fruit while perfectly integrating the oak and tannins. This dude is ready to be enjoyed anytime over the next five years. My note: Big and bold, with black fruit aromas. 660043 (XD) 750 mL $27.95 Score: 90/100.

LUCE DELLA VITE 2003 IGT Toscana: Generally I resist reviewing such expensive wines because there are so many wines these days I'd rate just as high at half or a quarter the price. But many wine lovers collect wines such as this and want to know how this particular vintage did. Others just want to splurge. This wine is powerful with concentrated aromas of dark black fruit and spice. Drink 2006-2012. 685263 (XD) 750 mL $99.95 Also available in 375 mL. Score: 91/100.

TOMMASI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2001 DOC VC: Only the best and most mature Corvina, Rondinella and Molinari grapes are selected for this Amarone. After drying on small open racks through the autumn and early winter, the grapes are pressed and fermented before spending 36 months merging in large Slovenian oak casks. Try this robust wine with equally robust meat dishes or mature cheeses. My note: Classic amarone but not overly extracted. Power yet beautifully balanced. with aromas of dried herbs and cherries. 356220 (XD) 750 mL $49.95 Also available in 375 mL. Score: 90/100.

Nat Decants 100-Point Scale

95-100 Brilliant, Exceptional
90-94 Excellent, Superb
89.5 Hovering on the doorstep of excellence, better than very good
85-89 Very Good
80-84 Good (still worth buying and drinking)
79 and below Average to poor (I don't include these in the newsletter due to space constraints)

Favorite Wines: This isn't necessarily the wine with the highest score, as high scores go to the wines that best typify their region and style. Rather my favorite wines are just that: the ones that appeal to me most personally and to my own taste.

Best Value Wines: Not necessarily the cheapest wine, but the one that maximizes the price-quality ratio. (Although I don't always go by strict mathematical ratios on this either, but rather what seems to me to represent tremendous value.)

For more details on how I do my wine reviews and tips on how to find these wines click here.

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